After two visits to a local public library's reference desk, I observed their unique programming efforts to welcome and include patrons of various cultural backgrounds.

1. Bridging the Cultural Divide
Multicultural Programming in a
Northeast Denver Suburban Public
Library
Mandi King

2. Topics of Discussion
 History of Immigrant Use of Public Libraries
 ABC Public Library Demographics
 Programming at ABCPL
 Barriers and Perceptions
 Collection Development, Reference Services, and
Material Selection for Programming

3. History of Immigrant Use of Public
Libraries
 The U.S. has a long history of
immigration
 American libraries as neutral community
resource center and information service
provider
 Libraries were slow to catch on to the
needs of minorities
 Early twentieth century vision of
producing qualified American citizens
 How libraries are adapting today

4. Demographics
ABC Public Library is located in a Northern
suburb of Denver, Colorado just East of
the Rocky Mountains
 70% White
 20% Hispanic
 5% Asian
 1% African American
 Other

5. Programming at ABCPL
 English Language Conversation
Groups
 Job Search Program
 Spanish language Beginner
Computer Classes
 Citizenship Training

6. Barriers and Perceptions
 Society’s perception of the immigrant “other”
 Hesitation and fear from foreign patrons
 Other barriers
 What is ABCPL doing to combat these
obstacles?

7. Collection Development, Reference
Services, and Material Selection for
Programming
 Oxford Picture Dictionary
 United States Citizenship and Information
Services – www.uscis.gov
 Bilingual Signage and Reference Resources
 Bilingual Staff
 Caring. Compassionate. Patient.
Welcoming.